A urostomy is a surgical procedure that creates a stoma, which is an opening on the abdomen, to divert urine after the bladder has been removed or bypassed. This diversion requires a collection pouch, commonly known as a urostomy bag, to be worn over the stoma to gather the urine that drains continuously. The urostomy bag functions as an external bladder, collecting urine through a watertight system that adheres to the skin. Since urine production is constant, the pouch features a drainable valve at the bottom, which makes emptying the contents necessary several times throughout the day. This routine maintenance is an integral part of managing a urostomy.
Preparing for Drainage
Before beginning the emptying process, it is helpful to gather all necessary items to ensure a smooth and hygienic procedure. The most basic supplies include toilet paper or a dry wipe for cleaning the drainage spout, and sometimes a measuring container if fluid output needs to be monitored for medical tracking. Begin the process by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer to minimize the transfer of bacteria before touching the appliance.
A comfortable and accessible position near a toilet is important for efficient drainage. Many people prefer to sit on the toilet seat, facing forward or even backward, to allow the urostomy pouch to hang directly over the bowl. Ensuring the bottom of the pouch is easily reachable and positioned to drain without splashing will make the following steps easier.
Step-by-Step Daytime Emptying Procedure
Once positioned, the first step is to correctly place the drainage spout over the toilet bowl or collection container. It is often helpful to place a strip of toilet paper in the water beforehand to lessen any potential splashing as the urine drains. The drainage mechanism, which may be a tap, valve, or clamp, is then gently opened to allow the urine to flow out.
The design of the pouch ensures that it can be drained without removing the entire appliance from the body. To guarantee the pouch empties completely, gently run your fingers down the sides from the top toward the spout, which helps push out any residual urine and natural mucus strands. This physical manipulation ensures no urine remains trapped inside, which could otherwise lead to odor or a feeling of heaviness.
After the flow of urine stops, the drainage spout requires careful cleaning to prevent skin irritation and odor issues. Use a clean piece of toilet paper or a dry wipe to thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the open spout, removing any lingering drops of urine or mucus. This attention to detail is important because dried urine residue on the outside of the valve can compromise the seal.
The final action is to securely close the drainage mechanism, whether by flipping the tap, replacing a plug, or re-clamping the outlet. A completely sealed spout is necessary to prevent accidental leakage onto clothing or skin. By following this sequence, the pouch is ready to continue collecting urine until the next scheduled emptying, typically when it is one-third to half full.
Connecting to a Night Drainage System
For continuous urine output during sleep, the urostomy pouch is adapted to a bedside collector, which is a larger-volume bag. This system eliminates the need to wake up multiple times overnight to empty the smaller daytime pouch. The process begins by ensuring the daytime urostomy pouch contains a small amount of urine, which helps prevent a vacuum effect that could impede drainage.
A specialized adapter or connection tube is then secured to the drainage valve of the urostomy bag. This connection links the pouch to the long tubing of the bedside bag. The connection must be firm to prevent separation during the night.
The bedside drainage bag must be placed on the floor or a stand, ensuring it is positioned lower than the level of the stoma. This arrangement allows gravity to facilitate the continuous flow of urine from the pouch, through the tube, and into the larger collector, preventing backflow. Finally, the drainage valve on the urostomy pouch is opened so that urine can flow freely into the night drainage system throughout the sleep period.